Book Review:
and Amie Parnes
"Unveiling the Untold Story: Inside the Explosive Truths of 'Shattered' by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes"
Shattered is a gripping and revealing account of Hillary Clinton's failed presidential campaign, providing insight into the internal conflicts and missteps that ultimately led to her defeat. Jonathan Allen's detailed reporting offers readers an intimate look at the chaos and dysfunction within Clinton's team, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the 2016 election.
What Is the Book About?
and Amie Parnes
Shattered is a book about Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. It explores the inner workings of her team and the challenges they faced in trying to win the election against Donald Trump. The authors, Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, provide an inside look at the decision-making process, conflicts within the team, and mistakes that ultimately led to Clinton's defeat.
The core message of Shattered is that even with all their experience and resources, political campaigns are complex operations that require strong leadership and teamwork to be successful. Through interviews with key members of Clinton's team, Allen and Parnes shed light on how small missteps can have major consequences in a high-stakes race like a presidential election. Ultimately, Shattered serves as a cautionary tale for future candidates about the importance of unity and effective communication within a campaign.
What Makes This Book Different?
1. In-depth Analysis of the 2016 Election: Unlike other books about the 2016 election, "Shattered" provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the events leading up to Hillary Clinton's shocking defeat. Authors Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes draw on their extensive insider knowledge and access to key players in both campaigns to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies, mistakes, and personalities that ultimately determined the outcome of one of the most unprecedented elections in American history.
2. Balanced Perspective: One thing that sets "Shattered" apart from other political books is its unbiased approach. The authors do not shy away from criticizing both sides, highlighting flaws and missteps within both the Clinton and Trump campaigns. This balanced perspective allows readers to gain a more nuanced understanding of what went wrong for Clinton, rather than simply blaming external factors or solely focusing on her opponent.
3. Rich Character Development: While many political books focus solely on major candidates or public figures, "Shattered" delves into the personal stories and motivations of key players behind-the-scenes. From campaign managers to advisors to family members, each character is given depth and complexity as their decisions are scrutinized throughout the book. This adds an emotional element that makes readers feel invested in these individuals' roles in shaping such a pivotal moment in American politics.
Writing Style & Pacing
Shattered by Jonathan Allen is a non-fiction book that tells the story of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. The tone of the book is journalistic and objective, as the authors are political reporters who covered the campaign closely. They present a detailed account of events without inserting their personal opinions or biases into the narrative.
The structure of Shattered follows a chronological timeline, starting from Clinton's decision to run for president in 2013 and ending with her loss to Donald Trump in November 2016. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the campaign, such as strategy meetings, debates, and scandals. Through interviews with key players and behind-the-scenes stories, Allen paints a vivid picture of what went on within the Clinton camp during this tumultuous time.
Overall, Shattered is not a fast-paced read. It delves deeply into each event and provides extensive background information about key players involved in the campaign. This can make it feel slow at times, but also allows for a comprehensive understanding of how everything unfolded. Readers interested in politics or those looking to gain insight into what happened behind closed doors during one of America's most controversial elections will find this book engaging and informative.
About the Author
and Amie Parnes
Jonathan Allen is an American journalist, author, and political analyst. He has covered politics for over 15 years, working for various news outlets such as Bloomberg News, Politico, and Vox. Allen has also co-authored two New York Times bestselling books on the 2016 presidential election: "HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton" with Amie Parnes and "Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign," also with Parnes. With his extensive experience in covering politics and his close proximity to key players in the political world, Jonathan Allen is a highly credible author for "Shattered."
Amie Parnes is an award-winning journalist who has covered national politics since 2000. She has worked as a reporter at The Hill newspaper in Washington D.C., where she focused on campaigns, lobbying, Congress and the White House. She currently serves as senior correspondent for The Hill’s video division. In addition to her work at The Hill, Parnes has written for numerous publications including POLITICO Magazine, RealClearPolitics.com., Roll Call Newspaper Group,and Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Weekly magazine.Parnes' expertise in reporting on major political events makes her a reliable source of information when it comes to writing about the inner workings of Hillary Clinton's failed campaign.
Together,Jonathan Allenand AmieParness have not only established themselves as respected journalists but have also proven their credibility through their previous collaboration on "HRC." Their first-hand knowledge of Clinton's campaign from both inside sources and external observations gives them unique insights into what ultimately led to its downfall.Additionally,the duo conducted hundreds of interviews with campaign staff members,democratic party leaders,and even former President Barack Obama.This levelof access further solidifies their credibilityas authorsfor this book.In fact,the Washington Post describes Shatteredas “the best account yet”of what happened during Clinton's campaign. With their combined experience and extensive research,Allen and Parnes are undeniably credible authors for "Shattered."
Historical or Topical Context
and Amie Parnes
Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign is a book that delves into the 2016 presidential campaign of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The setting for this story is primarily in the United States, specifically during the months leading up to the election and on Election Day itself. The political climate at the time was tense and highly polarized, with deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans.
The book also takes readers behind closed doors, providing an inside look at the inner workings of Clinton's campaign team. From their headquarters in Brooklyn to various stops on the campaign trail, readers are given a glimpse into how decisions were made and strategies were formed. Additionally, there are flashbacks to key moments throughout Clinton's political career, shedding light on her previous campaigns and experiences as First Lady and Senator from New York. This background helps paint a picture of who Hillary Clinton is as a politician and how she has arrived at this pivotal moment in her career. Overall, Shattered provides an intimate portrait of both Clinton herself and American politics during one of its most tumultuous elections in recent history.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The opening chapter, where the authors describe Hillary Clinton's shocking loss in the 2016 presidential election and its immediate aftermath. This sets the tone for the rest of the book, highlighting how unexpected and dramatic her defeat was.
2. Chapter 4, titled "The Nominee," delves into how Clinton secured the Democratic nomination despite facing a strong challenge from Bernie Sanders. It reveals details about internal conflicts within her campaign team and sheds light on her decision-making process.
3. In Chapter 11, "The Comey Letter," Allen and Parnes detail how FBI Director James Comey's letter to Congress regarding new emails related to Clinton's private server investigation had a major impact on the election outcome. This chapter highlights just how much this event influenced voters' opinions of Clinton.
4. One standout scene is when President Obama calls Bill Clinton after Election Day to console him over his wife's loss. The conversation between these two political heavyweights offers insight into their relationship and also showcases their disappointment at not being able to secure another term for Democrats in the White House.
5. Towards the end of the book, in Chapter 22, "The Concession Speech," readers witness Hillary Clinton delivering one of her most emotional speeches as she addresses her supporters following her defeat. This powerful moment highlights not only her disappointment but also captures a sense of resilience as she urges Americans to continue fighting for what they believe in.
Lessons or Takeaways
and Amie Parnes
After reading Shattered, readers may learn about the inner workings of a political campaign and the intense pressure, conflicts, and decisions that go into it. Through an in-depth analysis of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, the book sheds light on how even the most experienced politicians can make crucial mistakes that ultimately lead to defeat. Readers will also gain insight into the complex relationships between key players in politics and how personal dynamics can greatly impact decision-making.
The book may also evoke feelings of disappointment or frustration as readers reflect on the missed opportunities and missteps that ultimately cost Hillary Clinton the presidency. It highlights both her strengths as a leader but also her weaknesses in connecting with voters and making strategic decisions. Readers may also feel a sense of empathy towards Clinton as they witness firsthand the toll that running for president takes on individuals personally, mentally, and physically. Overall, Shattered serves as a cautionary tale for future political campaigns while providing valuable lessons for leaders in any field about teamwork, communication, resilience, and adaptability.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
Based on reader reviews, the general sentiment towards Shattered by Jonathan Allen is overwhelmingly positive. Many readers praise the book for its thorough and insightful analysis of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. They applaud the authors' research and reporting, which shed light on behind-the-scenes events and decisions that ultimately led to Clinton's defeat. Readers also appreciate the balanced approach taken by Allen and co-author Amie Parnes, who present a nuanced view of both Clinton and her team.
In addition to positive reader reviews, Shattered has also received significant recognition in the form of awards. The book was named one of NPR's Best Books of 2017 and was a New York Times bestseller. It also received praise from prominent figures such as former President Bill Clinton, who called it "painful but necessary reading." Shattered has been lauded for its gripping storytelling and revealing insights into one of the most pivotal moments in recent political history. Overall, this book has garnered widespread acclaim for its comprehensive look at an unforgettable election cycle.
Who Is This Book For?
1. Political Junkies: This book would be perfect for readers who are interested in politics and the inner workings of government. The Shattered Book delves into the behind-the-scenes drama and power struggles within Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, making it a must-read for those fascinated by political campaigns.
2. Non-Fiction Fans: For those who enjoy reading non-fiction books that provide an inside look at real-life events, this book is an ideal choice. The Shattered Book offers a captivating and well-researched account of one of the most shocking political upsets in recent history.
3. Current Events Enthusiasts: With its focus on the 2016 election, this book would appeal to readers who closely follow current events and want to gain a deeper understanding of what happened during that pivotal time in American politics.
4. History Buffs: As much as The Shattered Book is about the present day, it also provides insight into past events that shaped Hillary Clinton's career and ultimately led to her defeat in the election. Readers with an interest in history will appreciate how this book connects past actions to present consequences.
5. Critical Thinkers: This book challenges readers to think critically about not only Hillary Clinton's campaign but also larger issues such as gender dynamics, media influence, and party politics. It would be most enjoyed by those who enjoy analyzing complex situations from multiple perspectives.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Detailed insight into the 2016 election: Shattered provides a detailed and behind-the-scenes look at the events leading up to and during the 2016 presidential election. The authors, Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, had access to key players in both Hillary Clinton's campaign team and Donald Trump's inner circle, which allows for an intimate portrayal of the strategies, mistakes, and decisions made by both sides.
2. In-depth analysis of Clinton's campaign: This book offers a deep dive into Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, including her strengths as a candidate and the challenges she faced throughout her run. It also delves into her relationship with key advisers such as Huma Abedin and Robby Mook.
3. Balanced perspective: While some books about the 2016 election have been accused of being biased towards one candidate or party, Shattered presents a balanced perspective on both sides of the race. The authors provide insights from people within both campaigns without favoring one over the other.
4. Easy to read writing style: Despite its heavy subject matter, Shattered is written in an engaging and easy-to-read style that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The narrative flows smoothly between different events and characters involved in the election.
5. Lessons learned for future elections: Along with providing an inside look at what went wrong with Hillary Clinton's campaign, this book also offers valuable lessons for future political candidates and their teams. From communication breakdowns to strategic missteps, there are many takeaways that can be applied to any future campaigns.
Cons:
and Amie Parnes
1. Biased perspective: The authors are both journalists who covered the 2016 presidential election for mainstream media outlets, and their bias towards Hillary Clinton is evident throughout the book. This may make it difficult for readers looking for an objective analysis of the events leading up to the election.
2. Lack of new information: While the book promised to reveal new insights into Clinton's campaign, many have criticized it for not offering any groundbreaking revelations or behind-the-scenes information that wasn't already known from previous reports.
3. Poor writing style: Some critics have pointed out that the writing in Shattered can be dry and lacking in emotion, making it a less engaging read than other books on the same topic.
4. Focused solely on Clinton's campaign: As its title suggests, this book is solely focused on Hillary Clinton's campaign and does not provide much insight into Donald Trump's side of things or how his team approached the election.
5. Timing issues: Since this book was published just months after Trump took office, some argue that it may be too soon to fully understand all of the factors that led to his victory over Clinton. As such, Shattered may not offer a complete picture of what happened during one of America's most controversial elections.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
and Amie Parnes is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Through extensive research and interviews with key players, Allen and Parnes provide an insightful and detailed account of the mistakes, missteps, and missed opportunities that ultimately led to Clinton's shocking defeat.
The authors paint a vivid picture of the chaotic nature of the campaign, highlighting the power struggles, infighting, and lack of direction that plagued it from the start. They also shed light on Clinton's own role in her downfall – from her inability to connect with voters to her decision-making process – making this book both informative and compelling.
Overall, Shattered is a well-written and thoroughly researched book that offers valuable insights into one of the most pivotal moments in American political history. Whether you are a fan or critic of Clinton, this book provides an important perspective on what went wrong in her campaign. It is definitely worth reading.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Shattered" on Amazon
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